Rivals Roundtable: Questions surrounding the high school season
With the high school basketball season approaching and players in three classes jostling for rankings positions, this week’s Rivals Rountable addresses what’s to come as schools across the country prepare to take the court.
National analysts Rob Cassidy and Travis Graf tackle three questions related to prospects they’ll be watching closely during the approaching season.
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WHICH PROSPECT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE THIS HIGH SCHOOL SEASON?
“I’m pretty excited to see Asa Newell in his new home at Montverde Academy. We’ve long had Newell ranked incredibly high, and for good reason. While he’s proven himself against other top-flight prospects at events, the five-star wing has never played a schedule like he’ll play this season. I’m of the belief that Newell, who has played his high school career to this point in the Florida panhandle, has top-five upside, and he’ll have every chance to prove it this year. If iron really does sharpen iron, Newell will take the next step toward his pro potential as a junior.” – Cassidy
“After missing some of this past grassroots season with an injury, I’m very excited to see a healthy Ace Bailey this winter. He has some of the highest upside in the 2024 class and it will be interesting to see if he can play himself into the discussion for the No. 1 spot in the junior class. Bailey’s ability to score from multiple areas on the court is very impressive, and coupled with his ball-handling ability for his size, plus his athleticism, it makes him a very interesting prospect if he continues to put things together” – Graf
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WHAT IS THE BIGGEST RANKINGS QUESTION YOU HAVE IN YOUR MIND HEADED INTO THE SEASON?
“I’m still a bit unsure about the No. 1 spot in 2023 and have been for almost a year. But I’m not sure that question will be resolved by the high school season alone. All-Star games will play a part. That said, I see current No. 1 Xavier Booker being pushed by guys like Isaiah Collier, DJ Wagner and possibly a dark horse like AJ Johnson or Mackenzie Mgbako. Booker’s selection as top dog was a pick based on long-term upside, so if he fails to take the next step the No. 1 spot will be as wide open as it has been in recent memory.” – Cassidy
“I’ll have to agree with Rob on this one. The No. 1 spot in the 2023 class isn’t locked down by any means, and it’s been very open to discussion for the last few months. That discussion will continue through the all-star games in the spring. Booker’s upside cannot be questioned, but his consistent production on both ends of the floor will have to increase this winter. Justin Edwards and Collier will have a huge say as to who gets the top spot, as will Wagner. It will be interesting to see if anyone outside of these four guys can make a big statement this winter and enter the discussion.” - Graf
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WHICH PROSPECT OUTSIDE THE TOP 100 DO YOU THINK HAS A CHANCE TO HELP HIMSELF THE MOST THIS SEASON?
“I’ll take the easy way out here and go with Christian Anderson, who ranks No. 101 in 2024 as things stand. Anderson has added some length over the last six months and now checks in at 5-foot-11, which will help him a bit in the next rounds rankings meetings. Add in the fact that the Michigan commit is quickly becoming one of the more reliable long-range shooters in the class, and he seems like a solid bet to break the 100 barrier after playing this season at Georgia’s Lovett High School. Of course, he’ll need to showcase the totality of his game as a junior, but things seem to be moving in the right direction.” – Cassidy
“When looking at some promising prospects outside of the top 100, the first two that come to mind are Virginia commit Elijah Gertrude and Marquette commit Tre Norman. Gertrude’s scoring ability from multiple levels was impressive this season on the EYBL circuit, as well as his rebounding ability for his position and his true combo guard nature, having the ability to impact the game on and off of the ball. As for Norman, he was phenomenal at Peach Jam, filling the box scores with points, rebounds, assists and steals. I’d like to see Norman’s outside jumper become more consistent this winter. With that being said, I think we have both of these guards ranked too low.” - Graf